Isle of Wight firefighters take on the World Rescue Challenge

Two Isle of Wight firefighters will be travelling to Brazil to represent the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service at the World Rescue Challenge.

Two Isle of Wight firefighters will be travelling to Brazil later this month to represent the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service at the World Rescue Challenge, an international competition for emergency services personnel run by the World Rescue Organisation.

Newport crew manager Aidy Wellock and Ryde firefighter Aden Thomson will be taking part in complex trauma scenarios which are designed to challenge emergency service personnel and enhance their skills.

The scenarios are set up by medical professionals, using actors to simulate an accident or series of injuries that have to be immediately dealt with. Aidy and Aden will be assessed on the lifesaving first aid they administer as the first professionals on the scene of an incident before further medical support arrives.

Building on success of 2015 Challenge
Aidy and Aden hope to build on their success at the 2015 World Rescue Challenge which was held in Portugal, where they came second in the world beating 31 other teams from 16 different countries.

As well as taking part in the competition, the team will attend training sessions and educational workshops hosted by leading medical professionals from around the world, to assist in the development and coaching of all entrants to ensure fire and rescue personnel are working at the highest standard.

Mick Keenan, local senior officer at the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said:

We would like to wish Aidy and Aden the best of luck as they represent the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service at the highest level. Both firefighters have already used their training and experiences gained at previous competitions to pass on to colleagues which has been of huge benefit to the service, helping raise professional standards and enhance skills of personnel across the whole fire service.Mick Keenan

Aidy Wellock, crew manager at Newport Fire Station, said:

We are very excited to be taking part in the 2016 World Rescue Challenge as it is a great opportunity to test our skills and increase our knowledge of new technology and rescue techniques. We will be gaining higher levels of first aid and medical knowledge to improve the service we deliver either by the roadside or at other emergency situations. By taking part in these events we can train and advance our knowledge by working in a range of complex simulated environments while learning from emergency services professionals from around the world. It not only progresses our own professional development but we are able to share valuable skills with our colleagues on the Island on our return.Aidy Wellock

The Isle of Wight Trauma Team will compete in Curitiba, Brazil between 19 and 23 October. During that time Aidy and Aden will provide updates on the competition via the fire service’s social media feeds (Twitter: @iwightfire and Facebook: Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service).